IPPO : The Ultimate Counter

The match began under the watchful eyes of the entire gym. Sendou is known for his explosive strength and aggression, while Ryuu is an outstanding technician. Sendou immediately charges in, swinging powerful hooks. Ryuu dances around him, dodging each blow with disconcerting ease.

Ryuu : "You hit hard, Tiger. But you're as subtle as an elephant in a china shop."

Sendou growls and speeds up his attacks. Ryuu, still smiling, begins to test his counters. With each miss from Sendou, Ryuu lands a quick jab, targeting his chin or ribs. Kamogawa watches silently, impressed by Ryuu's precision but worried by his lack of caution.

Kamogawa : "He's too confident,"

he murmurs. Suddenly, Sendou fakes a left hook and follows with a right uppercut. Taken by surprise, Ryuu takes the full force of the blow and staggers. For the first time since his arrival, his smile falters.

Sendou: "What do you say now, genius?"

Sendou sneers. But Ryuu sits up, wipes the blood from his lip, and laughs.

Ryuu: "Finally. Finally someone who knows how to hit. But now I'm going to show you what a real counter means."

Sendou, galvanized, attacked again. But this time, Ryuu changed his attitude. His smile faded, and his gaze became icy. He adopted a low stance, calculating his opponent's every move. When Sendou throws a powerful jab, Ryuu pivots on his back foot, dodges a millimeter, and unleashes his own blow. His fist hits Sendou's liver with surgical precision. Sendou collapses, legs trembling, breathless. The entire gym remains silent, amazed by the performance. Ryuu approaches Sendou, kneels next to him, and whispers:

Ryuu: "that's what a real counter is, but not bad, Tiger next time, try to think before you rush."

sendou got up and his look had changed, he looked like a real beast

Sendou: "Interesting... I must admit that you have something. Ready for the 2nd Round?!"

Ryuu smiled , a smile filled with excitement

but Kamogawa stopped the sparring there to avoid injury.

---

with a lot of frustration, Sendou

leaves the gym furious but impressed, Kamogawa approaches Ryuu.

Kamogawa: "You have talent, there's no doubt about it. But your arrogance will ruin you if you're not careful."

Ryuu laughed softly.

Ryuu: "Perhaps. But admit it, old master. You like my style."

Kamogawa, despite himself, cracks a smile.

Kamogawa : "I'll give you that. Tomorrow we start again. And prepare yourself, this time it will be even more difficult."

Ryuu stretches and looks at the ring with a mixture of excitement and satisfaction.

Ryuu: "Bring some more. I'm starting to like this world."